Asaba, 5 September 2024 – In a significant press briefing held today, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Abaniwonda S. Olufemi, announced a series of achievements by the Delta State Police Command in combating criminal activities over the past two months. The Command’s proactive measures, increased vigilance, and tactical operations have reportedly led to a notable decrease in kidnappings and armed robberies in the state, especially in the face of the usual rise in crime during the ember months.
Key highlights from the Commissioner’s briefing included multiple arms recoveries, rescue operations, and the arrest of suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, and cultists. The operations span from July 25th to early September, showcasing the Police’s readiness to ensure safety across Delta State’s 25 local government areas.
In a series of operations, the Police recovered a substantial number of illegal arms, including AK-47 rifles, locally made cut-to-size guns, pump-action guns, and rounds of live ammunition. These discoveries were made during undercover patrols and raids on criminal hideouts in areas like Asaba, Oghara, and Ughelli. Notably, on August 13th, an attempted kidnapping during Delta State Polytechnic’s graduation ceremony was foiled, with operatives recovering a range of firearms, including an AK-47 rifle.
Kidnapping remains a significant challenge in the region, but CP Olufemi commended the force’s efforts in securing the safe release of kidnapped victims. In one incident on August 31st, two victims kidnapped along the Asaba-Benin Expressway were rescued following a sting operation. In another, the Police neutralized a group of kidnappers in the Umunede forest, recovering arms in the process.
In addition to thwarting kidnappings, the Police have also cracked down on organized crime networks. For example, on August 14th, a stop-and-search operation led to the arrest of suspected cultists linked to the Aro Barger Confraternity. Numerous firearms and live cartridges were seized from the suspects, highlighting the ongoing efforts to dismantle cult-related activities across Delta State.
Aside from armed crime, the Police have also targeted financially motivated kidnappings. On July 26th, a group of suspected kidnappers was apprehended, and over two million naira in ransom money was recovered. Mobile phones suspected to belong to kidnapping victims were also seized, further implicating the group in other unsolved cases.
While the Delta State Police Command has made commendable strides, CP Olufemi acknowledged the ongoing challenges posed by the ember months—a period notorious for heightened criminal activities. He assured the public that operations would intensify in the coming months, with increased visibility policing and sustained raids on criminal hideouts. The Commissioner also urged citizens to collaborate with law enforcement by reporting suspicious activities, emphasizing that public cooperation is critical to sustained success.
The Commissioner concluded by summarizing the Command’s achievements within the reviewed period, which include the recovery of 4 AK-47 rifles, 138 rounds of ammunition/cartridges, 8 pump-action guns, 15 cut-to-size guns, and 5 Beretta pistols. He expressed his commitment to maintaining the safety of Delta State citizens, especially as the year draws to a close.
As Delta State continues its fight against crime, the collaboration between law enforcement and community members will be essential in ensuring a secure environment for all.
The recovered items:
